Dawid Strucinski out of hospital and into rehabilitation center in West Orange, friends say

The 22-year-old Bayonne man who was coming to the aid of a friend who was being harassed, and beaten into a coma earlier this month, is now being treated for his injuries at a rehabilitation center in West Orange, family and friends said today.

Dawid Strucinski, a recent Rutgers graduate, had been at the Jersey City Medical Center since he was attacked early on July 3.

Friends of Strucinski said yesterday that he was out of a coma and had gotten over a case of pneumonia, but he is unable to speak.

Strucinski's family wanted to keep the name of the rehabilitation center confidential at the moment, until "progress is shown," a friend said.

Dr. Hooshang Sadeghi, a neurologist in Bayonne told Hudson Now "The rehabilitation process is different for everyone and the programs should be individualized, catering to each person's unique needs, because no two brain injuries are exactly alike."

"But with the right physical and cognitive therapy, patients regain the most independent level of functioning possible."

Sadeghi went on to say that rehabilitation channels the body's natural healing abilities and the brain's relearning processes so an individual may recover as quickly as possible. It also involves learning new ways to compensate for abilities that have changed due to brain injury, he said.

So far, two girls, ages 14 and 17, three 16-year-old boys, three 15-year-old boys, and 18-year-old Derrick Hilton, who is currently being held in the Hudson County Jail in Kearny, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Two 16-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy remain in the Hudson County Youth House Secaucus, while the other juveniles have been released to their parents, police confirmed yesterday.

Dan Sautkin, 22, who was with Strucinski the night he was attacked, said that he is relieved Dawid has been transported to a rehabilitation center, and continues to pray for him on a daily basis.

"I am so glad and amazed that Dawid has begun his road to recovery already," Sautkin said. "My mother and I lit candles at our church, in hopes he will recover 100 percent. But I know he will get there, because he always achieved every goal he set out to accomplish, and this is no different, especially with so much support behind him."

Anyone with information about this crime should contact Bayonne police detectives at (201) 858-6925 or call the confidential tip line at (877) 900-8477.